Ronnie O'Sullivan's criticism of the Masters venue has been labelled 'needless' by former Scottish snooker star Alan McManus.
The Rocket has been scathing in his verdict of Alexandra Palace after making it through to the semi-final.
O'Sullivan edged past Barry Hawkins with a below-par performance in Thursday's quarter-final.
He will take on Shaun Murphy in Saturday's semi after he beat Jack Lisowski 6-3 later on the same day.
Ronnie O'Sullivan has been criticised for his verdict on Alexandra Palace
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O'Sullivan was seriously downbeat about his own performance and apologised to the Ally Pally crowd and his opponent.
But he also took a dig at the London venue, claiming it is 'dirty', 'cold' and makes him 'feel ill'.
O'Sullivan said: "I just don’t like this place, I find it disgusting.
"Everywhere is dirty, cold, I’m freezing. I have to sit here in my coat.
"Everywhere you go, you’re going through car parks, there are bins.
"I don’t know if you’ve seen up there, there’s food and stuff and it makes me feel ill to be honest with you.
"I’m a clean freak. When I come here, it gives me the heebie-jeebies and I can’t wait to get out of here.
"I’m sorry, that’s just how I feel.”
McManus has now responded by calling out O'Sullivan for his verdict on Alexandra Palace.
The 52-year-old, now a pundit on Eurosport, says O'Sullivan is barely at the venue and claims his comments were 'strange' and not necessary.
McManus said: "The truth is that, the world over in the main, these venues and sporting arenas and theatres, that’s the way it is for us lot.
"These things are designed, also it’s a show for the people who pay good money, we try to make them comfortable.
"Us behind the scenes, it doesn’t matter so much really.
"The darts were here last week, it will be the same, it’s just the way it is.
"He’s not in that much, he’s in here about half an hour before the off.
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Ronnie O'Sullivan claimed Alexandra Palace makes him 'feel ill'
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"I thought it was a bit strange and a bit needless."
O'Sullivan has been feeling under the weather this week, revealing he had struggled with a cold for the last month.
He also admitted that his busy schedule may have taken its toll, with the Masters his seventh tournament since September.
The 48-year-old said: "Maybe I've played a lot since September.
"For me I've played a lot, travelled a lot. I've played a lot.
Barry Hawkins lost 6-3 to Ronnie O'Sullivan in Thursday's Masters quarter-final
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"Backwards and forwards from China, which takes it out of you.
"Trying to do everything can be hard and I think you can, especially at my age, it can take a little bit out of you.
"I don't know, I'm just trying to give you answers here, I still don't know the answer."
